A public adjuster is a professional claims handler who advocates for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating an insurance claim. They are experts in understanding the complexities of insurance policies, damage estimation, and negotiation. Public adjusters can be a valuable asset when dealing with difficult or complicated insurance claims.
Typically, people consider hiring public adjusters when they have substantial property damage. This could be from disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, or any other catastrophic events that cause significant harm to your property. In such situations where damages are extensive and complex to assess, having a professional on your side can make all find the answers difference in ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Another scenario where it would be beneficial to hire a public adjuster is if you feel overwhelmed by the insurance claim process. Filing an insurance claim involves various steps like reporting the incident promptly, providing complete documentation of losses, following up regularly with the insurer etc., which can be time-consuming and stressful particularly after experiencing a traumatic event. A public adjuster takes over these tasks allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life.
If there’s disagreement between what your insurer offers and what you believe should be compensated based on your policy terms then also it’s wise to call in a public adjuster. They will independently evaluate all aspects of your claim including scrutinizing repair estimates and validating coverage under your policy so that nothing is overlooked or underestimated by insurers looking out for their own interests rather than yours.
Moreover, even if some time has passed since filing an initial claim but you’re not satisfied with its resolution or feel something was missed during inspection then too hiring a public adjuster could prove useful. They can reopen older claims (usually within one year) provided new evidence supporting additional damage is found.
While there are costs associated with hiring a public adjuster – typically they charge 10-20% of any payout from insurer – this expense often pays for itself through increased settlements received due to their expertise and negotiation skills. It’s also worth noting that public adjusters work on contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.
In conclusion, whether to hire a public adjuster or not depends largely on the complexity of your claim and your comfort level with handling insurance matters. If you are dealing with substantial damage, feel overwhelmed by the claims process, disagree with your insurer’s assessment or believe something was missed in an already filed claim, it may be time to bring in a public adjuster. Their expertise can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation under your policy terms and provide peace of mind during a challenging time.
